Sandisiwe Bacela

Service-driven Stakeholder Relations & Communications Specialist with a strong record of strengthening relationships across government, corporate, and community environments through structured engagement, reputation management, and strategic messaging, while translating organisation-wide priorities into cohesive communication strategies that enhance visibility, stakeholder trust, and institutional credibility. Focused on building high-value partnerships, facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue, and developing structured communication plans that align with strategic objectives.

Compliance Officer at Mapheq Financial Solutions (2025-06 – Present)

Design, implement, and monitor internal compliance policies and regulatory frameworks

• Regulatory Compliance Management: Design, implement, and monitor internal compliance policies to ensure alignment with South African legislation, regulatory bodies, and external compliance partners
• Policy Development & Oversight: Develop and update internal governance frameworks, ensuring operational processes adhere to statutory requirements and risk mitigation standards
• Audit Coordination: Lead preparation and coordination of internal and external compliance audits, ensuring organisational readiness and adherence to regulatory expectations
• Transaction Review & Risk Monitoring: Conduct systematic reviews of client transactions to assess regulatory compliance, identify control gaps, and recommend corrective actions
• Compliance Reporting: Establish and manage structured reporting channels for compliance matters, ensuring accurate documentation and timely escalation of risks
• Training & Capacity Building: Develop and deliver compliance training programmes to foster a compliance-oriented culture and strengthen organisational accountability
• Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact between the organisation, compliance partners, and business units to ensure consistent regulatory alignment
• Operational Risk Mitigation: Monitor regulatory developments and proactively implement measures to safeguard the organisation against financial and reputational risks

Paraplanner at Mapheq Financial Solutions (2024-05 – 2025-06)

Provide financial analysis and stakeholder coordination for advisory operations

• Financial Analysis: Conduct structured financial assessments and consolidate client data to support evidence-based advisory recommendations and strategic planning processes
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all financial documentation and advisory outputs adhere to legislative frameworks, internal policies, and risk mitigation standards
• Stakeholder Coordination: Liaise with clients and financial advisors to ensure timely submission of required documentation and alignment of deliverables with planning timelines
• Reporting & Documentation: Compile detailed financial reports and briefing packs, translating complex financial data into structured, decision-support information
• Data Integrity Management: Validate, reconcile, and maintain accurate client records to safeguard information integrity and regulatory compliance
• Operational Support: Coordinate scheduling, documentation workflows, and administrative processes to ensure efficient programme delivery within advisory operations

Administrative Assistant at Department of Education (2022-05 – 2024-04)

Support provincial training programmes and capacity-building workshops coordination

• Programme Coordination: Supported the planning and roll-out of provincial training programmes and capacity-building workshops in alignment with departmental objectives
• Stakeholder Engagement: Liaised with internal units, facilitators, service providers, and participants to ensure seamless coordination of training and development initiatives
• Procurement & Resource Management: Facilitated procurement processes and logistical planning for workshops and departmental events in accordance with financial procedures
• Workshop Facilitation Support: Coordinated venue arrangements, participant communication, and programme materials to ensure effective knowledge dissemination
• Monitoring & Reporting: Compiled and consolidated monthly and quarterly performance reports, tracking attendance, outcomes, and implementation progress
• Event Management: Assisted in the coordination of high-profile departmental events, ensuring structured planning, compliance, and stakeholder participation

Stakeholder Relations Specialist at Distell (2018 – 2020)

Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies across government, regulatory, and community sectors

• Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement: Developed and implemented structured stakeholder engagement plans, strengthening relationships with government entities, regulatory bodies, communities, and industry associations
• Strategic Partnership Development: Facilitated cross-sector collaborations and sustainability initiatives aligned with corporate and community development objectives
• Issue & Risk Monitoring: Analysed regulatory and public developments to identify potential risks and recommend mitigation strategies
• Advocacy & Representation: Represented organisational interests in stakeholder forums and engagements, fostering trust-based partnerships and institutional credibility
• Communication & Reporting: Prepared structured stakeholder reports, engagement summaries, and strategic briefings for senior leadership to support informed decision-making
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Collaborated with internal departments to ensure alignment between stakeholder expectations and organisational delivery commitments

Intern: Corporate Affairs at Distell (2017 – 2018)

Financial Consultant at Old Mutual (2016 – 2016)

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration – University of South Africa (2024)

BA Honours in Corporate Communication – Nelson Mandela University (2015)

BA in Language and Communication – University of the Western Cape (2013)

National Senior Certificate – Clarendon High School for Girls (2009)